Vytorin (ezetimibe/simvastatin) is a prescription drug used to treat specific types of high cholesterol. The drug comes as an oral tablet that’s typically taken once daily.
Vytorin is prescribed along with a low cholesterol diet to reduce cholesterol levels in adults and certain children with:
- primary or mixed hyperlipidemia
- homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia
The active ingredients in Vytorin are ezetimibe and simvastatin. (Active ingredients are what make a drug work.) Ezetimibe belongs to a group of drugs called cholesterol absorption inhibitors. Simvastatin belongs to a group of drugs called statins.
This article describes the dosages of Vytorin, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about Vytorin, see this in-depth article.
The table below highlights the basics of Vytorin’s dosage. All doses are listed in milligrams (mg).
| Starting dose range | Usual dose range | Maximum dose | Frequency | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ezetimibe/ simvastatin | 10 mg/10 mg or 10 mg/20 mg | 10 mg/10 mg to 10 mg/40 mg | 10 mg/80 mg | daily in the evening |
Keep reading for more details about Vytorin’s dosage.
What is Vytorin’s form?
Vytorin comes as an oral tablet.
What strengths does Vytorin come in?
Vytorin is available in four strengths:
- ezetimibe 10 mg/simvastatin 10 mg
- ezetimibe 10 mg/simvastatin 20 mg
- ezetimibe 10 mg/simvastatin 40 mg
- ezetimibe 10 mg/simvastatin 80 mg
What are the usual dosages of Vytorin?
Your doctor will likely start by prescribing a low dosage and adjusting it over time to reach the right amount for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for high cholesterol
The typical Vytorin dosage for adults with high cholesterol is Vytorin 10 mg/10 mg to 10 mg/40 mg taken once daily in the evening. The starting dosage is 10 mg/10 mg or 10 mg/20 mg once daily in the evening. The maximum dosage is 10 mg/80 mg and is only for people who do not have serious side effects from Vytorin.
Dosage for homozygous familial high cholesterol
The typical Vytorin dosage for adults with homozygous familial high cholesterol is 10 mg/40 mg taken once daily in the evening.
For this condition, doctors prescribe Vytorin with other cholesterol-lowering drugs such as the bile acid sequestrant cholestyramine (Prevalite).
What’s the dosage of Vytorin for children?
Vytorin is prescribed for children ages 10–17 years to help treat heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. This is a certain type of genetic disorder that causes dangerously high cholesterol.
The dosage for children is the same as the dosage for adults. (To learn more, see the “What are the usual dosages of Vytorin?” section above.)
For more information about Vytorin’s dosage for children, talk with your child’s doctor or a pharmacist.
Is Vytorin used long term?
Yes, Vytorin is usually a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
Dosage adjustments
People taking medications that may interfere with Vytorin may need to take lower doses of Vytorin. Depending on the dosage, your doctor may recommend a different cholesterol-lowering drug.
Doctors may prescribe lower doses of Vytorin for people with kidney failure to lower the risk of side effects. People with kidney failure will be monitored closely if they’re taking high doses of Vytorin.
The dosage of Vytorin you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:
- the type and severity of the condition you’re taking the drug to treat
- other long-term medications you take
- other conditions you may have (see the “Dosage adjustments” section above)
Vytorin comes as an oral tablet. If you have trouble swallowing tablets, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication.
You’ll take Vytorin once daily in the evening with or without food. When taking Vytorin along with a bile acid sequestrant for homozygous familial high cholesterol, take Vytorin 2 or more hours before or 4 or more hours after taking the bile acid sequestrant.
For information on the expiration, storage, and disposal of Vytorin, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Accessible drug containers and labels
Some pharmacies provide medication labels that:
- have large print
- use braille
- feature a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio
Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesn’t.
Let your pharmacist know if you have trouble opening medication bottles. They may have tips to help, or they may be able to supply Vytorin in an easy-open container.
If you miss a dose of Vytorin, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at its usual time. If you’re not sure whether you should take a missed dose, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
If you need help remembering to take your dose of Vytorin on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.
Do not take more Vytorin than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.
What to do in case you take too much Vytorin
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Vytorin. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Vytorin’s dosage.
Is Vytorin’s dosage similar to that of Liptor?
No, Vytorin’s and Lipitor’s dosages differ. The form of each drug and how often you take them are similar. Vytorin and Lipitor (atorvastatin) are both oral tablets taken once daily. An important difference between these two drugs is that Vytorin has two active ingredients and Lipitor has only one.
The dose in milligrams for each drug differs, as seen in the table below.
| Vytorin | Lipitor |
|---|---|
| ezetimibe 10 mg/simvastatin 10 mg | atorvastatin 10 mg |
| ezetimibe 10 mg/simvastatin 20 mg | atorvastatin 20 mg |
| ezetimibe 10 mg/simvastatin 40 mg | atorvastatin 40 mg |
| ezetimibe 10 mg/simvastatin 80 mg | atorvastatin 80 mg |
Your doctor will prescribe the drug and dosage that’s right for you. Talk with them to learn more about how these drugs compare.
How long does it take for Vytorin to start working?
Vytorin starts to work after your first dose, but its maximum effect is reached about 2 weeks after this. Because of how the drug works, you likely won’t feel it working in your body. But your doctor will monitor you during treatment to be sure the drug is effectively treating your condition.
If you have other questions about what to expect from your Vytorin treatment, talk with your doctor.
The sections above describe the usual dosages provided by Vytorin’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends this medication, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.
Remember, you should not change your dosage of Vytorin without your doctor’s recommendation. Only take Vytorin exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage. Examples of questions you may want to ask include:
- Will increasing my dosage from 10 mg/40 mg to 10 mg/80 mg enable me to reach my cholesterol target?
- Instead of taking Vytorin, can I take the same dosage of Zetia (ezetimibe) and Zocor (simvastatin)?
- Does my dosage need to be altered if I eat grapefruit for breakfast every day?
To get information on different conditions and tips for improving your health, subscribe to any of Healthline’s newsletters. You may also want to check out the online communities at Bezzy. It’s a place where people with certain conditions can find support and connect with others.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.